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This Week in Lower School 4/30-5/4, 2018

May truly seems to have brought spring with it! Students are spending time outdoors as they enjoy not only our traditional Field Day, but also Lag Ba’Omer. Lag Ba’Omer is a holiday where we are encouraged to spend time outside to enjoy the beauty of the natural world and bonfires are lit in celebration.

Lag Ba’omer, the 33rd day of the counting of the Omer, the counting of the days between Passover to Shavuot. According to tradition, the ancient Romans refused to allow the Jews to study the Torah or pray to their God. Rabbi Akiva, a great teacher, fooled the Romans by letting his students carry bows and arrows and pretending they were hunting. It also celebrates the Revolt against the Romans, led by Bar Kochba.

Our K-5 Students have been learning about Rabbi Akiva, Bar Kochba, and enjoying spending time outdoors by singing around our “bonfires”, eating snacks and making sand art. Preschoolers sang around the “bonfire” and enjoyed the holiday by baking potatoes and eating them in a play cave next to their paper bonfires.

Our students see elements of Lag Ba’Omer in their classes as our kindergarten students finish their unit about the majesty and science behind the sun, moon, and stars. Earlier this year, they visited the Planetarium at CSN and watched a presentation of “The Little Star that Could” for an experiential addition to their unit. Kindergarten students have been learning all about the sun, moon, and stars through reading, writing, math,science, technology, arts, and Hebrew. They shared their knowledge in their memorable presentation on Thursday. In addition to singing related songs by the Beatles, Jack Johnson, and Frank Sinatra, each child shared facts that they learned throughout the unit. They were true stars!

After the wonderful presentation, the kindergarten students brought their families to their classrooms to share their innovative creations which included writing, math, art, science, and even a coding project using Scratch Jr. on their iPads. A focus of the unit was empowering the students to realize that they can make a difference to help save the earth. We can all learn from the examples of the kindergarten students' ideas of making everyday Earth Day!

On Friday morning, students enjoyed their Field Day celebration! Our successful Field Day is not only a reward for our K-5 students for a year of hard work academically, but the chance to show them how fun and social healthy and sporty activities can be. Students took part in many activities, ranging from pool games to soccer as they went through 12 stations.

Our 3’s through 5th graders also got to meet Chance, the Golden Knight’s Gila Monster! The mascot came as a special surprise to help pump our students up for Field Day and being healthy. The Knights have been followed closely by many of our students since the start of the season, and having their mascot here to kick off their day was another way of showing how proud we are of their hard work this year. Seeing Chance gave students a chance to show off both school and Las Vegas spirit! As did watching the graduating seniors walk through the halls for their Pride Walk: our seniors wore their regalia and made their way through the school grounds with the marching band, waving and celebrating with our students from Baby Bear to 5th grader!

Upcoming Events and Programs

May 11th, 9 AM in the Beit Midrash - End of the Year Show (2’s)

May 11th - 3rd Grade Native American Presentation after Shabbat (in the MPR)

May 18th 10:00 AM - all Preschool Shabbat (note special time in lieu of regular Shabbat times)

May 18th, 8 AM in the Theater - End of the Year Show (JK) in the theater followed by reception in the LS Gym

May 18th - 1:45pm Shabbat for K-5 (note special Shabbat time)

May 18th - 1:45pm 5th Grade Move Up celebration and Shabbat, followed by a reception for 5th grade in the gym (note special Shabbat time)

May 21st - Shavuot - NO SCHOOL

May 22nd - Shavuot Farmer’s Market at dismissal

May 23rd, 8:15 AM in the Beit Midrash - Baby Bears end of year celebration, Beit Midrash

May 24th - Dress down for $1 benefiting Make a Wish Foundation

May 25th, 8:15 AM - Closing Celebration Assembly in the theater. All students will be treated to shows by K-5 students recapping the year; we will see performances from the dance team, choir, and the cast of “Willy Wonka”. Marie Curie Challenge medals will be presented then as well. Parents are invited to join. Preschool students will attend the performances. An ice cream party funded by Anderson Dairy and the Robertson Family will follow for our K-5 students.